How Can I Get My Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Mechanically Checked?

Mobility vehicles, also known as Special Needs Vehicles and Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs) are an important way for People with disability to travel and maintain independence. At Quality Accessible Vehicles, we have a wide range of fantastic and fully certified Disability Vehicles designed for comfort, safety, movement and convenience for Special Needs drivers and passengers.

We maintain the highest of standards for all our Mobility Vehicles. This brings the question – How Can I get My Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Mechanically Checked? Quality Accessible Vehicles are experts in Mobility Vehicles consultation and can help you with any requests or questions you may have.

Below we will explore the rules, safety standards and ways to have your Mobility Vehicle Assessed to work safely, efficiently and in compliance with Australian Safety Law.

What is A Disability Vehicle?

A Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) is a Vehicle issued to a person with disability in order to allow them to travel without burden from their disability. There are many aspects of WAVs that make mobility and comfort easier for Special Needs passengers such as Wheelchair Lifts, Wheelchair Ramps and Wheelchair Restraints all of which are required to be tested and checked by a licensed party such as the Road and Maritimes Services (RMS) Australia.

Who Assesses a Mobility Vehicle?

All Mobility Vehicles in Australia must receive a Compliance Certificate by your relevant state authority ie. RMS or the equivalent from overseas or third-party manufacturers.

In Australia, particularly New South Wales, a Modified Vehicle or Manufactured Accessible Vehicle must be compliant with Australian Design Rules (ADR) and other relevant rules.

For After Market Parts, a Disability Vehicle may not be require the same detailed testing if they are manufacturer certified and meet the RMS Aftermarket Parts Guide.

To have your Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle mechanically check or assessed, contact Quality Accessible Vehicles today and we can give you the help you need.

What Can Be Mechanically Checked in a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle?

There are many aspects of a WAV that can be Mechanically checked, from the basic parts of the vehicle to its disability modifications such as its ramps, restraints and wheelchair lifts. Not all Mobility Vehicles use fully mechanical modifications, for example a ramp may be used manually. In the following we will explore the key features of a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle that are tested.

Wheelchair Ramps

Wheelchair Ramps are mechanically checked largely for safety reasons and convenience for the individual Wheelchair Occupant. They can be provided for mechanically, be portable or even fixed that attach to a tow bar or vehicle floor. What is also assessed is their load capacity, in order to withstand the weight of the occupant and their wheelchair. The weight of the ramp and ease of use can be assessed too, to ensure that the wheelchair occupant can access and use it as easily as possible. Generally, a required length ensures a 1:4 or 1:6 gradient.

Wheelchair Lifts

Wheelchair lifts or Platform Lifts are an important and common way for Wheelchair Occupants to access their vehicle with as minimal effort or strain as possible. They are located either at the back or side of a vehicle, usually a van.

Three key types of Wheelchair Lifts that can be assessed are Underfloor Lifts, External Lifts and Internal Lifts:

Underfloor Lifts: they are advantageous for saving internal space and a clear view of the rear window as well as internal configuration. They can become dirty and slipper which can lead to increased maintenance which assessors can take a look at.

External Lifts: Like Underfloor Lifts, they are good for saving space and leaving a clear view of the rear-window, but they can become dirty and slippery and so may require regular maintenance and benefit from an assessment by licensed testers.

Internal Lifts: they are less visible then external lifts and so are less prone to environmental damage, which can mean less maintenance and mechanical checks. The disadvantages of Internal lifts include rear access may be problematic in some parking situations, as well as Internal Lifts may take up too much space especially in smaller vehicles.
Wheelchair lifts are mechanically tested for ease of use, space required, lifting range, load capacity and more.

Wheelchair Restraints

Wheelchair tie-down and occupant restraint systems (WTORS) are used to ensure the wheelchair occupant is secure in his or her Mobility Vehicle. This is one of the most important things to be tested because this is most directly related to the safety of the Special Needs driver or passenger.

Restraints are assessed to:

Secure the wheelchair firmly to the floor, using either a four-point strap or docking system

Occupied wheelchair should face forward during transportation

The wheelchair occupant must be restrained independently over the wheelchair using a separate occupant restraint system ie. lap/sash belts.

WTORS should comply with AS/NS 10542 and use as per manufacturer’s instructions

The restraints must be checked to be appropriate for the weight of the wheelchair and user. Heavy duty restraints are required for a combined wheelchair and occupant weight over 120kgs.

Quality Accessible Vehicles are the one-stop shop for Mobility Vehicle sales, modification, rentals and consultation. Whatever requests or enquiries you may have please don’t hesitate to contact us today at 0415 921 780 or through our online enquiry form.